On July 1, 2021, Virginia entered the first stage of legalizing marijuana. Virginians 21 and over are allowed to own up to an ounce of marijuana and can freely use it in the privacy of their home. Additionally, adult sharing of cannabis is legal under certain standards. Two adults over the age of 21 can share any weed product with each other as long as monetary compensation is not involved.
In Virginia, adults 21 and over are also permitted to grow marijuana plants inside their house. Each household is allowed up to four plants and they must be labeled and registered with the state. Registration includes the person’s name, driver’s license or identification number, and notion that it is for personal use. Plants must be grown inside the privacy of their property and cannot be visible to the public. There are various aspects of the new marijuana laws that residents should know if they are going to participate in the consumption of cannabis products.
Illegal Actions Under New Marijuana Laws in Virginia
Virginia’s marijuana laws are heavily adopted from the state’s regulations surrounding alcohol. Public intoxication is illegal, therefore, walking down the street and smoking weed is also illegal.
Delivery services for weed are still illegal, as well. Federal policy is applied toward interstate travel and since marijuana trafficking is still illegal in the United States, dispensaries cannot deliver weed to a residency or persons in Virginia. The gifting model is also illegal in Virginia which means a person cannot buy another product or service and receive weed or edibles as a gift with purchase.
An early regulatory board will be created by the Commonwealth shortly to give more authority and regulation on legal marijuana sales and licensing. Dispensaries will be allowed to open starting January 1, 2024, with businesses being able to start applying in 2023.
Virginia’s Clean Slate Act
The Clean Slate Act gives individuals who were convicted of marijuana possession or intent to distribute the opportunity to have their records sealed. This only applies to convictions within the last seven years and if the person has no other convictions. The Commonwealth is looking to expand expungement for low offense weed charges over the years.
Contact Virginia Marijuana Attorney
With Virginia cannabis laws changing rapidly over the next few years, you may need a skilled attorney to help you navigate the process of sealing and expunging your record. Our attorneys have experience in handling marijuana cases and are familiar with the new laws. We are dedicated to helping you move on from past charges and move forward with your life. Contact our firm for more information today.